Sukhwinder Singh is a renowned Indian playback singer, composer, lyricist and music artist, best known for his powerful and energetic voice in Hindi cinema. He has contributed to Bollywood music for several decades and is particularly recognised for songs blending Indian classical, folk and contemporary sounds.
Although Sukhwinder Singh is primarily known as a singer, he has also received credits as a lyricist and composer for selected musical projects. His best-known songs as a vocalist include “Chaiyya Chaiyya,” “Jai Ho,” “Ramta Jogi,” “Haule Haule,” “Main Aisa Kyun Hoon,” “Dard-E-Disco” and “Chak De India.”
Sukhwinder Singh was born on 18 July 1971 in Amritsar, Punjab, India. He developed an interest in music at an early age and began performing and learning music while still young.
He received training in Indian classical music and developed a strong understanding of different Indian musical traditions. His powerful voice, wide vocal range and energetic performance style eventually helped him establish himself as one of the most distinctive playback singers in Hindi cinema.
Sukhwinder began his professional career in the Indian music industry at a relatively young age. He initially worked as a singer and later expanded his career into music composition and songwriting.
His major breakthrough came with “Chaiyya Chaiyya” from the 1998 film Dil Se... The song was composed by A. R. Rahman, with lyrics by Gulzar, and featured Sukhwinder Singh alongside Sapna Awasthi. The song became an international success and remains one of the most recognisable Hindi film songs.
Sukhwinder subsequently became associated with several major Bollywood soundtracks. His collaborations with composers such as A. R. Rahman, Vishal Bhardwaj, Anu Malik and Salim–Sulaiman produced many popular songs.
He sang “Jai Ho” for Slumdog Millionaire (2008), composed by A. R. Rahman with lyrics by Gulzar. The song became internationally famous and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Sukhwinder's vocal performance played an important role in the song's worldwide recognition.
He also performed memorable songs such as “Ramta Jogi” from Taal, “Chak De India” from Chak De! India, “Haule Haule” from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, “Dard-E-Disco” from Om Shanti Om and “Main Aisa Kyun Hoon” from Lakshya.
Sukhwinder has also worked as a music composer and has contributed to film soundtracks in that capacity. His musical style frequently incorporates Punjabi folk elements, Indian classical influences and energetic rhythmic arrangements.
He has received numerous honours during his career, including the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for “Bismil” from Haider (2014). He has also received Filmfare Awards and other major music-industry recognition.